What is a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate?
If you're a landlord it's crucial to know your responsibilities in relation to the gas safety of your property. Landlords must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
You must arrange for your onsite appliances and flues to be examined each year by an Gas Safe registered engineer. You should also provide the gas safety certificate to each tenant.
What is a landlord gas safety certificate?
A gas safety certificate for a landlord is an official document that an Gas Safe registered engineer gives to the owner of a property following conducting a safety audit. The document should contain all the details regarding the properties gas pipework and appliances that have been checked for safety. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that the appliances and pipes are in good condition and to provide copies of the document to their tenants.
All landlords are legally required to inspect their properties every 12 months and obtain an updated certificate of gas safety. The regulations require that landlords schedule their inspections at least one month before expiration of their current certificate. This will prevent any coverage lapse and gives the best protection for their tenants.
To obtain a landlord gas safety certificate, you will need to get a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit the property. The engineer will inspect the gas appliances and pipes in the property. In addition, the engineer will also test the emergency controls for each appliance. If any appliances are found to be hazardous the engineer will inform you on the correct repair work required to bring them back up to standards and issue an updated gas safety certification.
If the tenant is unable to let the landlord in, the landlord may try to convince the tenant to let them in by sending them an email that explains why the checks are required and what will happen to them if they do not let them in. If this isn't working, the landlord may decide to start the eviction process by delivering the tenant with a Section 21 notice.
As an owner, you must give your tenants a copy of the completed Landlord Gas Safety Record within 28 days of each check being conducted. This should be provided to existing tenants as well as to any new tenants before they move into the property. Additionally, you must also keep a copy of the record for two years.
What is a gas safety certification for tenants?
In general, landlords are accountable to ensure that all gas appliances within their properties are checked annually by a Gas Safe certified engineer. The cost of the test can range from PS60 to PS120, depending on the scope of the test. The engineer will issue a CP12 (Landlord Gas Safety Record) to the landlord following the inspection, which must be passed on to the tenants within four weeks of the test being completed. This document serves as a record of the checks and should be kept by the landlord for two years after the date of the first inspection, but it is recommended that they are stored online to reduce the amount of paper used.
Landlords should also ensure that they have access to the property in order to carry out the annual service and gas security checks. The law stipulates that in the event a tenant refuses access, the landlord has to take'reasonable measures' to gain entry and carry out the inspection. landlord safety certificate could be necessary to contact the tenant in writing, request that they contact an engineer directly and to repeatedly request entry. This could also mean contact with the local council, who may be able to send an official round to explain the necessity of granting access for maintenance and safety checks.
If a tenant continues to refuse to grant access to the property, the landlord should think about beginning the process of eviction. It is the landlord's legal right to expel tenants who refuse to cooperate with security checks. This can be a difficult process, so landlords must consult with a lawyer before taking this step.
The landlord is accountable for all gas pipes, appliances and flues they own and supply to tenants. This applies regardless of whether the property is entirely or partially sublet by the landlord to third parties, although the original landlord and any person who takes on the responsibility through contractual arrangements should collaborate, with a clear division of duties, to ensure that the legal requirements are fully met.
If a landlord has enlisted the services of a managing agent to oversee their rental properties, it is essential that they find out who is responsible for arranging the gas safety tests. Some agents will take on this responsibility, however you must consult with the agency to ensure that you are covered.
What is a gas safety certification for sub-letting?
If a landlord leases their property, they must make sure that the place is safe for the residents who reside there. Gas safety certificates are proof that all gas appliances and flues have been inspected by a licensed engineer and are deemed safe. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that gas safety checks are carried out every year, and that copies of the certificates are given to tenants. The checks must be performed by an Gas Safe registered engineer. The CP12 form must include the Gas Safe engineer's ID number and date of issue.
It is also a legal requirement that the landlord hand the tenants a copy the gas safety certificate within 28 days of any checks being completed. In the same way, landlords must give a copy of CP12 to any new tenants prior to when they move into.
There are exceptions to this policy but only in the case of a property being used for short-term rentals such as student housing or holiday cottages. Include these exemptions as part of your tenancy contract to prevent any legal issues later on.
If a landlord determines that any of their flues or appliances are unsafe during the course of an inspection, they must arrange to have them repaired as soon as they can. This could mean disconnecting and reconnecting the gas supply to the appliance or installing. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, and must verify their identity by examining their photocard before carrying out any work.
Despite the exemptions mentioned above, the regulations around gas safety checks for landlords are very strict and must be adhered to. If a landlord is found in violation of the regulations, they could be prosecuted and could be fined or even jail sentences.
Total Landlord is here to assist you if you're a landlord and need to arrange an inspection for gas safety. Gas Safe engineers can visit your property to carry out a full check and issue the CP12 certificate. We provide competitive prices and same-day service for emergency situations. Call us or visit our site today to learn more.
What is an annual gas safety check?
If you lease out a part or all of your home, it's your legal obligation to carry out an annual gas safety inspection. This includes checking your boiler and any other gas appliances, such as pipes, flues and fittings and fixtures that use or exhaust gases.
Gas Safe engineers will inspect your home and ensure that everything is safe and up-to date. They will test all the gas appliances and flues and look for signs of leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure that the gas is on and that the gas meter is charged up.
It's a good idea to give your tenants a copy of the completed gas safety certificate after the inspection and test was carried out. It must be provided to tenants in the period of 28 days and to tenants who are new before moving in. Keep the copy for yourself as well as any agents you employ.
Landlords are required to arrange and pay for gas safety certificates and checks for their properties. However, if a tenant refuses access to allow the check or maintenance work to be carried out the landlord must take reasonable steps' to gain entry. This may include sending a clearly written letter explaining why you need access to the property and what the security checks will entail. If the tenant refuses to allow you access, you may be considering an Section 21 eviction.
When you buy a landlord insurance policy with Hometree and Hometree, your annual gas safety check is included. You don't have to worry about arranging it separately, or when you'll require it. You can also rest assured that we're there for you should you need to renew your policy or change any information.
For more information about our insurance plans for landlords you can visit the Hometree website. Register for a quote to learn more about the coverage and price. Our promise of no price hike means that your annual cost won't increase by more than the rate of inflation for the first year.